Related Articles

Porcelain tiles are one of the most durable types of materials for flooring and wall design, often used in commercial or industrial settings. The aesthetically pleasing characteristics also make it a popular choice for residential homes. Due to the fact that they are man made by heating clay at high temperatures, porcelain tiles are resilient and water resistant. Lacking the porous nature of many natural stone tiles, they can also have rougher edges after being cut. When necessary, these can be be polished with a tile file, providing a smooth and finished appearance to visible edges.

Polishing Porcelain Edges

1

Don protective gloves to protect hands during the filing process. Wear a protective face mask to act as a barrier against airborne porcelain dust getting in your eyes, nose or mouth.

2

Place the exposed rough edge of porcelain tile on a solid table or work surface, with the edge protruding over the side of the table by 2 inches. Firmly hold the remaining part of the tile down with one hand, while filing with the other.

3

Grasping an aluminum oxide tile file in your free hand, rub it back and forth with rigorous strokes over the rough edge of the porcelain tile. Continue until the edge is smooth.

4

Wipe the entire tile with damp paper towels or a soft cloth to remove any accumulated dust or debri from the filing process. Allow tile to thoroughly dry if it has absorbed moisture from the paper towels.

5

Seal the polished edge with tile sealant designed for use on porcelain products. If desired, seal the entire tile for additional protection. Allow sealant to dry per manufacturer instructions.

Things You Will Need

Gloves

Protective face mask

Porcelain tiles

Tile file

Paper towels or cloth

Tile sealant

Tip

In addition to aluminum oxide tile files, smaller ones similar in shape to a screwdriver are available, with both flat and curved faces. These files, however, are not as strong and will require more filing time on your part.

Warning

Porcelain can be very heavy, particularly with larger tile pieces, so handle with care to avoid dropping and damaging them. Always wear protective gloves and mask.

About the Author

Wendy K. Leigh is a travel writer and photojournalist from Seattle. She is the Editor of Islands America, a travel website for visiting islands within the United States. She also writes about home design, food and historical architecture. Leigh holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Washington.